Nucleophosmin, p53, and Ki-67 expression patterns on an oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue microarray

Oral cancer is the eighth most prevalent cancer worldwide. It causes significant mortality and morbidity rates, which have motivated the search for prognostic factors to better tailor the individual management of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Nucleophosmin is a multifunctional protein that is involved in many cellular activities, such as, regulation of the tumor suppressor genes TP53 and p14(ARF). and is associated with proliferative and growth suppressive roles in the cell. Nucleophosmin is overexpressed in many solid tumors in human, including tumors of the colon, liver, stomach, ovary, and prostate. In this study, we analyzed the expression of nucleophosmin, Ki-67, and p53 by immunohistochemistry in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Less than 10% of nuclear staining was observed in 90.3%, 50.6%, and 65.3% of the cases for nucleophosmin, p53, and Ki-67, respectively. Expression of p53 was not significantly associated with any of the clinicopathologic parameters analyzed. Increased expression of Ki-67 was associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis (P < .0001), advanced stages of disease (P = .0030), tumors occurring in the floor of mouth (P = .0018), and moderately/well-differentiated tumors (P = .0287). Local recurrence was associated with higher expression of nucleophosmin (P = .0233), and disease-free survival rate was significantly better in patients with low expression of nucleophosmin. Multivariate analysis suggested that expression of nucleophosmin could be an independent prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CASPASE EXPRESSION IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Background. Apoptosis is a genetically programmed form of cell death, of which caspases are the central components. Methods. By tissue microarray of 229 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we analyzed the immunoexpression of caspases 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Results. All proteins that we examined were expressed in primary OSCC samples. Caspases 8 and 9 were prominently expressed, and caspases 3, 6, 7, and 10 were occasionally expressed. Disease-free survival differed significantly between caspase 7 high-expressing and low-expressing patients, and our multivariate analysis suggested that expression of caspase 7 is an independent prognostic factor for patients with OSCC. Conclusion. This study suggests that caspases regulate the tumorigenesis of OSCC and that caspase 7 expression is a predictor of locoregional recurrence of OSCC. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 33: 1191-1198, 2011

Hematoporphyrin-based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a haematoporphyrin derivative (Photogem (R), General Physics Institute and clustes Ltda) as photosensitizer and light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source was evaluated in 12 cats with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lesions were illuminated with LEDs, (300 J/cm for 30 min) 24 h after the administration of the photosensitizer. Clinical responses were classified as complete disappearance of the tumour with total re-epithelialization; partial response (a reduction greater than 50%); and no response (less than 50% reduction). Tumours localized to the pinna treated with one (n = 3) or two (n = 4) applications of PDT yielded no response. Highly invasive tumours of the nose and nasal planum also showed no response, after two treatments (n = 2). A combination of PDT and surgery was performed in three cases. Two cats showed partial response and one complete response with one application of therapy 30 days after nasal surgery. Small and noninfiltrative lesions (n = 3) of the nasal planum showed a PR with one application (n = 2) and a CR with two applications (n = 1). This study shows that PDT using Photogem (R) and LEDs can provide local control of low-grade feline squamous cell carcinoma. The addition of PDT to surgery in more invasive cases may help prevent recurrence.

Histologic grading and nucleolar organizer regions in oral squamous cell carcinomas

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to histologically assess different types of oral squamous cell carcinoma and the silver-binding nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) morphology in neoplastic cells, as well as to quantify the number of AgNORs in each type of carcinoma in order to relate AgNOR count and histologic grading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma were divided into 4 groups, namely well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, poorly differentiated, and undifferentiated. For NOR study, 3-µm-thick sections were stained with 50% aqueous silver nitrate solution. The predominant microscopic pattern of NORs was determined. Quantitative analyses of NORs were obtained of all cells present on each histological field using a 0.025 mm² eyepiece graticule. Different histological fields were analyzed until the total number of NORs was 120 cells for each tumor. Kruskall-Wallis test was applied to compare the groups of sample data at a significance level of p=0.05. RESULTS: The mean number of AgNORs per nucleus was 3.20 for the well-differentiated group, 5.33 for the moderately differentiated one, 8.27 for the poorly differentiated one, and 10.08 for the undifferentiated one. AgNOR count was significantly different (p<0.05) among all of the studied groups. CONCLUSION: AgNOR staining technique seems to be a useful diagnostic tool since differences in AgNOR numeric values can be identified in the different types of oral squamous cell carcinoma. This technique is easy to handle and inexpensive, thus justifying its large use in histopathology.

Clear cell sarcoma of the mediastinum

A 59-year-old woman presented with a large mediastinal mass. At thoracotomy, the mass was found tightly adherent to the esophageal wall and right lower lobe of the lung. Histological examination showed a solid tumor composed of closely packed nests of cells with clear and eosinophilic cytoplasm, which were strongly and diffusely positive for S 100 protein but negative for HMB45 and Melan-A. The diagnosis of clear cell sarcoma was supported by demonstrating the presence of an EWS gene rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization. There was no evidence that this lesion represented metastatic disease. To the best of our knowledge, primary mediastinal clear cell sarcoma has not been previously reported in the literature. We present the case and discuss the differential diagnosis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fatores preditivos do maior número de estádios na cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs para o tratamento do carcinoma espinocelular da cabeça

FUNDAMENTOS: Os carcinomas espinocelulares da pele da cabeça têm como opção terapêutica mais segura a cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs, que apresenta os menores índices de recidiva e a máxima preservação tecidual. Características dos carcinomas espinocelulares podem estar relacionadas a maior número de estádios cirúrgicos. OBJETIVO: Definir características dos carcinomas espinocelulares que sejam preditoras de maior número de estádios na cirurgia de Mohs. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de 51 carcinomas espinocelulares da cabeça tratados pela cirurgia de Mohs para determinar fatores de risco de maior número de estádios. Foram analisados limites clínicos, morfologia, recidiva, histologia e tamanho, relacionando-os ao número de estádios cirúrgicos. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste exato de Fisher e regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: Os carcinomas recidivados tiveram tendência a maior número de estádios (p=0,081). Os tumores com limites imprecisos apresentaram três vezes mais possibilidades de maior número de fases na análise da razão de chances. Esse achado foi compatível com dados da literatura, apesar de não ter sido estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÃO: Características pré-operatórias dos carcinomas espinocelulares, como recidiva e limites imprecisos, apesar de não preditivas, indicaram tendência a maior número de estádios na cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs.

A perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the stomach: An unsuspected diagnosis

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasia and currently well recognized as a distinct entity with characteristic morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. We report a case of PEComa arising in the antrum of a 71-year-old female with melena. The tumor, located predominantly in the submucosa as a well delimited nodule, measured 3.0 cm in diameter and was completely resected, with no evidence of the disease elsewhere. Histologically, it was composed predominantly of eosinophilic epithelioid cells arranged in small nests commonly related to variably sized vessels, with abundant extracellular material, moderate nuclear variation and discrete mitotic activity. No necrosis, angiolymphatic invasion or perineural infiltration was seen. Tumor cells were uniformly positive for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, desmin and melan A. Although unusual, PEComa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric neoplasia with characteristic epithelioid and oncocytic features and prominent vasculature: (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.

Mast cell repopulation of the peritoneal cavity: contribution of mast cell progenitors versus bone marrow derived committed mast cell precursors

Background: Mast cells have recently gained new importance as immunoregulatory cells that are involved in numerous pathological processes. One result of these processes is an increase in mast cell numbers at peripheral sites. This study was undertaken to determine the mast cell response in the peritoneal cavity and bone marrow during repopulation of the peritoneal cavity in rats. Results: Two mast cell specific antibodies, mAb AA4 and mAb BGD6, were used to distinguish the committed mast cell precursor from more mature mast cells. The peritoneal cavity was depleted of mast cells using distilled water. Twelve hours after distilled water injection, very immature mast cells could be isolated from the blood and by 48 hours were present in the peritoneal cavity. At this same time the percentage of mast cells in mitosis increased fourfold. Mast cell depletion of the peritoneal cavity also reduced the total number of mast cells in the bone marrow, but increased the number of mast cell committed precursors. Conclusions: In response to mast cell depletion of the peritoneal cavity, a mast cell progenitor is released into the circulation and participates in repopulation of the peritoneal cavity, while the committed mast cell precursor is retained in the bone marrow.

High voltage electrical stimulation as an alternative treatment for chronic ulcers of the lower limbs

High voltage electrical stimulation has been recommended as a means of accelerating the wound healing process. The effects of high voltage electrical stimulation were evaluated in the treatment of three volunteers with chronic ulcers of the lower limbs. After fifteen weeks of treatment, a reduction was found in the area of all the ulcers, suggesting that high voltage electric stimulation is an effective therapeutic option for chronic ulcers.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lung Arising at the Primary Site of A Bronchogenic Cyst: Clinical, Cytogenetic, and Molecular Findings

Primary lung tumors are rare in children, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) represents less than 10% of them. Additionally, MEC arising from bronchogenic cysts (BC) is particularly unusual. We describe the clinical and genetic findings on a MEC occurring within a previous location of a BC in an adolescent. This particular association has not been previously reported. The lesion revealed normal karyotype without the typical t(11;19)(q21;p13) translocation. Cyclin D1 overexpression (165-fold increase) was demonstrated by real-time PCR although FISH assessment showed normal hybridization at 11q13. Information on these unusual clinical presentations may present relevant insight on tumorigenesis of infrequent pediatric pulmonary tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:311-313. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Proposal for a Trigonometric Method to Evaluate the Abduction Angle of the Lower Limbs in Neonates

It is difficult to precisely measure articular arc movement in newborns using a goniometer. This article proposes an objective method based on trigonometry for the evaluation of lower limb abduction. With the newborn aligned in the dorsal decubitus position, 2 points are marked at the level of the medial malleolus, one on the sagittal line and the other at the end of the abduction. Using the right-sided line between these 2 points and a line from the medial malleolus to the reference point at the anterior superior iliac spine or umbilical scar, an isosceles triangle is drawn, and half of the inferential abduction angle is obtained by calculating the sine. Twenty healthy full-term newborns comprise the study cohort. Intersubject and intrasubject variability among the abduction angle values (mean [SD], 37 degrees [4]degrees) is low. This method is advantageous because the measurement is precise and because the sine can be used without approximation.

Angiomyolipomatous hamartoma of the upper lip: A rare case in an 8-month-old child and differential diagnosis

Hamartoma is a proliferation of normal tissues that are considered endogenous to the site of occurrence. In the head and neck region, hamartomas composed of other tissues different from blood and lymphatic vessels (hemangiomas and lymphangiomas) are very uncommon. We report an unusual case of upper lip angiomyolipomatous hamartoma in an 8-month-old patient. The patient underwent surgical treatment and the 1-year follow-up revealed no signs of recurrence. Angiomyolipomatous hamartoma is a very rare condition in the paediatric population group, especially in the head and neck region. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of congenital lesions in childhood. (C) 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

Cheilitis glandularis: A clinicopathological study in 22 patients

Background: Cheilitis glandularis (CG) is a condition in which thick Saliva is secreted by minor labial salivary glands and adheres to a swollen lip causing discomfort to the patient. Most Publications refer to single case reports or small case series. Objective. We sought to report and to analyze clinical, pathological, and therapeutic data oil 22 patients with CG seen at the department of dermatology at our university. Method: Retrospective data about 22 patients with CG are reviewed and presented. Results: Seventeen patients were male and 5 were female. All were fair skinned, including 6 albino individuals. Several of them presented significant signs of photodamage on the lips. treatment was performed in 10 severely affected patients and consisted of I vermilionectomy followed by minor salivary gland removal. Histopathological Study revealed Various degrees of chronic sialadenitis and vermilion epithelial changes. Superficially invasive and in Situ squamous cell carcinoma of the vermilion was detected in 3 cases. Limitations: Biopsy and surgery were not performed in all patients. Conclusions: CG is strongly related to Sun sensitivity and may be more severe in albino patients. The swollen, sun-exposed lip may become more susceptible to the occurrence of squamous Cell carcinoma. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;62:233-8.)